In its 150th year, Orlando proudly proclaims itself “the City Beautiful.” But the swan crisis at Lake Eola Park reveals the city could be working harder to live up to its nickname.
In recent weeks, avian flu has killed 37 birds — 29 of them royal mute swans — in the downtown park. The city owned 25 of the swans; the other four were transient. The swan population, which had been 69 in November, has fallen to 44, the city said.
Swan supporters on Monday sent a message to the Orlando City Council: Do better for the birds. The issue for us transcends the avian flu.
Perhaps the city gave us reason to hope. “We’re going to take a comprehensive look at everything that goes on,” Mayor Buddy Dyer said. “We want to do the right things by the swans and we need to evaluate exactly what that might be.”
As someone who walks through that park daily, I hope that isn’t lip service. I have shared photos of distressed and dead swans to drive home the terrible loss there. I owe the birds, which have brought such joy to my life.
The deaths spurred advocates to highlight ongoing problems. We signed a petition, spearheaded by Andrew Marshall, who led the Lake Eola Swan Docent Program for two years. The petition, with nearly 2,200 signatures, urges better care, more expert oversight and cleaner conditions for the birds.
We want greater vigilance and transparency from the city. In a Dec. 28 social media post, Marshall and his wife, Pj Garcia-Marshall, alerted the public to the swan deaths.
Hal Boedeker was the Orlando Sentinel’s TV critic for 25 years. (Courtesy of Hal Boedeker)
But the deaths started Dec. 18. In a Dec. 29 news conference, Commissioner Patty Sheehan revealed the city had been working on the emergency for five days. Despite the holidays, couldn’t the city have told the public sooner?
The Marshalls say the public needed to be informed, and thanks to them, the issue has received extensive media coverage.
Sadly, Orlando has been through this crisis before. In early 2024, Lake Eola lost 15 swans to the avian flu. Why wasn’t the city better prepared this time?
On the advice of experts, the city is letting the virus run its course, just as it did two years ago. Swan advocates are focused on what comes next for the birds, which are beloved symbols of the city.
Dyer promises ‘comprehensive’ city review over care of Lake Eola swans
“Their food, safety, medical care and survival are entirely dependent on city decisions and human care,” Andrew Marshall told the City Council. “If you, the city, chooses to keep these swans, you must also ensure better care and accountability.”
We’ll be watching. Do right for the birds. Make “the City Beautiful” mean something.
Hal Boedeker was the Orlando Sentinel’s TV critic for 25 years.